Twiglet, an eight-year-old Rottweiler cross, has been at Dogs Trust West Calder for over 2,400 days since 2020, making her the charity's longest-term underdog in Scotland. A recent staycation with her handler, Advanced Dog Welfare Assistant Jason Pirrie, showcased her readiness for a permanent home.
A Successful Staycation
During the staycation, Twiglet settled quickly and remained calm and relaxed. She handled common household triggers such as doorbells, mail through the letterbox, and television noise without issue. She even encountered chickens as neighbours and was completely unfazed.
Twiglet has been working on her reactivity training, especially around other dogs and unfamiliar people. When handler Liv visited, Twiglet did not react to the doorbell and confidently approached the front door, followed by snuggles. She also slept soundly at bedtime, showing no signs of stress.
Progress and Praise
Jason said: “It was wonderful to witness how well Twiglet quickly settled during her staycation. She really was a dream house guest, which made me so proud.” He added that she previously struggled to switch off but now embraces downtime, showing her progress.
Susan Tonner, Manager at Dogs Trust West Calder, explained that an underdog is a dog in care for over six months, often due to training needs, medical conditions, or being overlooked. She said: “Twiglet is a clever, charming, and fun-loving girl with a zest for life who is loved beyond measure by all the team.”
Looking for a Home
Twiglet is affectionate with people she knows and is looking for an adult-only home where she is the only pet. She enjoys toys, her ball, and even helps with gardening. The rehoming centre is open five days a week without an appointment, and those interested can learn more about Twiglet by contacting Dogs Trust West Calder.
